McLean County Times

Illinois State University Athletics has announced that the Percy Family Hall of Fame will soon have a permanent location inside CEFCU Arena. The announcement was made during the annual Hall of Fame ceremony held on October 18, where current and former members, along with their families and friends, were present.

The Illinois State Athletics Hall of Fame began in 1971 with 17 inaugural members. Each year, it honors student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and contributors for their achievements at Illinois State University. In 2013, the Hall of Fame was renamed to recognize the Percy Family’s long-standing support.

The new installation is scheduled to open in early 2026. It will be curated by D1 Design Group and feature an interactive display. Visitors will be able to view photos and biographies of inductees. The display will be updated annually with information about new honorees and include photos or videos when available. Graphics and signage will also highlight the contributions of both the Percy Family and all Hall of Fame members.

The Percy Family stated: "The Percy family gives back to ISU Athletics to ensure every student-athlete has the opportunity to pursue a quality education and excel in their sport, as did the Percy Family. Supporting their journey means investing in the future of leaders, teammates, and champions."

Dr. Jeri Beggs, Director of Athletics at Illinois State, commented: "The Percy Family Athletics Hall of Fame has been in need of a permanent home, and we are thrilled to announce it is coming to CEFCU Arena. I can't thank the Percys enough for putting their name on this special group of individuals and I know our fans will love the final product. Our Hall of Fame recipients are the true legacy of Redbird Athletics, and now they will be seen by thousands of fans, community members, and students daily."

This year’s ceremony also saw the induction of four new members into the 2025 class: Robin Chapman (softball), Janelle (Crabtree) Knight (women's tennis), Akil Mills (men's track & field), and Colton Underwood (football).

For more information about tickets, donations, merchandise, or multimedia related to Illinois State Athletics, GoRedbirds.com remains a primary resource.